Psychoeconomics: globalization, markets, crisis - стр. 39
After the unsuccessful Crusades it was simply not possible to compel the potentially protesting people, capable of a great deal, to continue. To continually kill those knights who were unwilling was also not so simple (although executions in the Middle Ages functioned to eliminate those who were not submissive, and prevent the emergence of a systemic, armed, organized and efficient opposition).
In this situation, there naturally arose campaigns within Europe itself. These were the Crusades in Finland and Russia (1232-1240), to Smyrna ( (1343 – 1348), against the Ottoman Turks (1396), and campaigns during the Bohemian Wars (1420-1434)… But soon those involved in these Crusades realized their futility. Wealth was no longer acquired in these wars, while the participants were routed. Therefore these campaigns actively began to be replaced by commercial and military expeditions to distant lands. In this case the energy of strong and active individuals was aimed not only at satisfying their needs, but in a majority of cases also met the requirements of the elite in the distribution of their influence on other countries.
Still, the Crusades remained a unique historical method of deliverance from a potent opposition at the point of economic rise in Europe. The psychological mechanism of their origin was also related to systems of comparison. Thus, wealth increased for family members who had inherited private property and land. The growth of such inequality resulting from an accumulation of causes gave birth to the desire to not fall behind in this process. Desire and motivation emerged. This was dangerous for the elite, especially those of the third generation. And what should be done with such people if they are strong, distinguished, ambitious, prepared to die to achieve greater status, to obtain property, to rule, and who no longer wish to go to their death in a Crusade?
The massive expeditions for wealth to India, China, and especially America were psychoeconomically typical. This course of events was understood by the smarter representatives of the elite in this period. They supported such expeditions. Those seeking adventure, wealth, and success followed Columbus to rich America. Columbus brought this news to Europe at a time when it needed deliverance from people who were able to destroy the rulers in more than one realm. It is no accident that historians so exaggerate the fact of Columbus’ appearance in Europe with the news of the discovery of America. America had been discovered long before Columbus, but the news of Columbus’ success was transmitted at the right moment to the right people, so that a massive epidemic of expeditions for gold and wealth was organized.